US20060000498A1

US20060000498A1 - Shaft structure of foldable umbrella

Info

Publication number: US20060000498A1
Application number: US10/882,319
Authority: US
Inventors: Fu-Tien Liu
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-07-02
Filing date: 2004-07-02
Publication date: 2006-01-05

Abstract

The present invention relates to an umbrella and includes a cover, a shaft of multi-sectional tubes, a notch, a runner, main ribs, and stretchers. A fixed sleeve is disposed outside an engaging complex that is disposed on the top portion of a sectional tube of the shaft having the smallest diameter, thereby enabling the engaging complex to slide up or down inside the fixed sleeve. The notch connects with an upper end of the fixed sleeve and the runner is disposed outside the fixed sleeve thereby enabling the runner to slide up or down outside the fixed sleeve. The fixed sleeve of this invention forms an elongated and strengthened part of the shaft to firmly support the umbrella when opened and stores multiple or all sectional tubes of the shaft when fully collapsed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multi-sectional shaft structure of a multi-fold umbrella, and more particularly to a multi-fold umbrella having an elongated and strengthened shaft allowing firm support of the umbrella in opened position and reducing overall volume of the umbrella when collapsed.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
An umbrella is formed in a multi-sectional foldable fashion for easy-carrying when collapsed. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A, an umbrella 1 comprises a cover 11, a shaft 12, a notch 13, a runner 14, main ribs 15, and stretchers 16, wherein the notch 13 pivotally connects with main ribs 15 to support the cover 11 and runner 14 pivotally connects with stretchers 16 to support main ribs 15. The shaft 12 is formed with multi-sectional tubes and with an inner tube 122 connected to the notch 13. A spring-loaded stop 17 is formed in a rectangular opening 121 of the inner tube 122. Umbrella 1 is opened by pushing the runner 14 upwards to a position that the spring-loaded stop 17 spring out of the rectangular opening 121 supports the runner 14 which further supports the extended stretchers 16 to prop up main ribs 15 for the cover 11. Umbrella 1 is collapsed by pressing down on the spring-loaded stop 17 to disengage the runner 14 allowing it to move downwards on the shaft 12.
Although a conventional umbrella can be opened or collapsed, problems occur when requiring a further reduction in overall length when collapsed, which can only be achieved by forming the shaft 12 with more tubes of shorter length. As a result, the difference between the diameter of an outer tube and each inner tube of the shaft inevitably increases, which results in a large spacing between the inner tube 122 of the shaft 12 and runner 14, causing unsmooth and shaking movements when sliding runner 14 up or down shaft 12, thereby further rendering the spring-loaded stop 17 unable to properly support runner 14.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multi-fold umbrella comprising a cover, a shaft, a notch, a runner, a plurality of main ribs and stretchers, wherein, the shaft is formed of multi-sectional tubes, the notch pivotally connects with main ribs to support the cover, and the runner pivotally connects with stretchers to support the main ribs. A fixed sleeve is displaced outside an engaging complex formed on an upper end of an inner tube of the shaft having the smallest diameter enabling the engaging complex to slide up or down inside the fixed sleeve. The notch further connects with an upper end of the fixed sleeve and the runner is disposed outside the fixed sleeve enabling the runner to slide up or down outside the fixed sleeve to open or collapse the umbrella.
As a result, the fixed sleeve forms an elongated and strengthened part of the shaft, which firmly supports the umbrella when in fully-opened position, and stores multiple or all sectional tubes of the shaft when umbrella is in collapsed position, thereby reducing overall volume of the umbrella.
To enable a further understanding of the said objectives and the technological methods of the invention herein, set forth is a brief description of the drawings followed by a more detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a conventional umbrella in open position.
FIG. 1A shows a partial enlarged view of FIG. 1.
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the present invention.
FIG. 2A shows a partial enlarged view of FIG. 2.
FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of the present invention in open position.
FIG. 4 shows an exploded elevational view of a fixed sleeve and an engaging complex of the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows another exploded elevational view of a fixed sleeve and an engaging complex of the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of the present invention in collapsed position.
FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of another application of the present invention.
FIG. 7A shows a partial enlarged view of FIG. 7.
FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an application of the present invention to an automatic foldable umbrella.
FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an application of the present invention to a hauling-cable type automatic umbrella.
FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show further exploded elevational views of the fixed sleeve and the engaging complex according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 2, 2A and 3. The present invention relates to an umbrella 2 comprising a cover 21, a shaft 22, a notch 23, a runner 24, main ribs 25, stretchers 26, and a fixed sleeve 27, wherein, the shaft 22 is formed with multi-sectional tubes, the notch 23 pivotally connects with main ribs 25 to support the cover 21, and the runner 24 pivotally connects with stretchers 26 to prop up main ribs 25. By fitting the fixed sleeve 27 on the outer perimeter of an engaging complex 28 formed on the top portion of the sectional tube of the shaft 22 having the smallest diameter, enables the engaging complex 28 to slide up or down in the fixed sleeve 27. By forming the notch 23 atop and the runner 24 outside fixed sleeve 27 enables the runner 24 to move up or down the fixed sleeve 27 to open or collapse the umbrella 2. When in opened position, the fixed sleeve 27 forms an elongated and strengthened part of the shaft 22 and the runner 24 fixes at an opening 271 of the fixed sleeve 27 by a locking device 4 (see FIG. 3). When in collapsed position, multiple or all sectional tubes of the shaft 22 can be accommodated inside the fixed sleeve 27, thereby reducing the overall volume and making a shorter folded umbrella 2.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4. A bolt 284 is used to connect the engaging complex 28 with the shaft 22. An opening 281 and a groove 285 are formed on the engaging complex 28, wherein a spring 282 and a button 283 are placed inside the opening 281. A locking hole 272, corresponding to the button 283, and a locking flake 29, corresponding to the groove 285, are formed on the fixed sleeve 27 such that, when extending the shaft 22, the locking flake 29 secures the groove 285 of the engaging complex 28 and the button 283 spring out to secure at the locking hole 272 of the fixed sleeve 27, thereby enabling the engaging complex 28 to firmly connect with the fixed sleeve 27. By riveting or gluing a stick 291 through the locking flake 29 and a fixing opening 273 of the fixed sleeve 27 enables the locking flake 29 to firmly secure to a lower end of the fixed sleeve 27.
Referring to FIG. 5. The present invention can be designed in a type other than that in FIG. 4, with the fixed sleeve 27 and the notch 23 each being a separate structure connected by a rivet 276 perforating through a rivet opening 274, formed on the fixed sleeve 27, and an opening 232 of a connection section 231, formed on a lower end of the notch 23. A fastening body 275, corresponding to the groove 285, and a locking hole 272, corresponding to the button 283 are formed on the fixed sleeve 27 such that, when extending the shaft 22, the fastening body 275 engages with the groove 285 and the button 283 spring out to secure at the locking hole 272 of the fixed sleeve 27, thereby the engaging complex 28 firmly connects with the fixed sleeve 27.
Referring again to FIG. 3. To open the umbrella 2, the first step is to extend the shaft 22 such that the locking flake 29 on the fixed sleeve 27 secures the groove 285 of the engaging complex 28 and the button 283 spring out to fix at the locking hole 272 of the fixed sleeve 27 so that the fixed sleeve 27 firmly connects with the engaging complex 28 and also forms a part of the shaft 22. The second step is to push the runner 24 upwards till a position that the locking device 4 locks the opening 271, thereby enabling stretchers 26 to support main ribs 25, which prop up the cover 21.
Referring to FIG. 6. The fixed sleeve 27 forms an elongated and strengthened part of the shaft 22. To collapse the umbrella 2, the first step is to press down on the locking device 4 to release from the opening 271 of fixed sleeve 27, the runner 24 then slips downward and presses down on the button 283 thereby separating the button 283 with the locking hole 272. The second step is to retract multi-sectional tubes of the shaft 22 into the fixed sleeve 27, thereby making a shorter folded umbrella.
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 7A. A spring-loaded stop 4′ is disposed on the fixed sleeve 27 to support the runner 24. To open the umbrella 2, the first step is to extend the shaft 22 such that the locking flake 29 on the fixed sleeve 27 locks the groove 285 of the engaging complex 28 and the button 283 spring out to fix on the locking hole 272 of the fixed sleeve 27 thereby connecting the fixed sleeve 27 firmly with the engaging complex 28 and also rendering the fixed sleeve 27 to form a part of the shaft 22. The second step is to push the runner 24 upwards such that the spring-loaded stop 4′ stops and supports the runner 24 thereby enabling stretchers 26 to support main ribs 25, which prop up the cover 21. To collapse the umbrella, the first step is to press down the spring-loaded stop 4′, the runner 24 then slips downward and presses down on the button 283 thereby separating the button 283 with the locking hole 272. The second step is to retract multiple or all sectional tubes of the shaft 22 into the fixed sleeve 27, thereby forming a shorter folded umbrella.
Referring to FIG. 8. The present invention can be applied to an automatic umbrella 2 a, wherein a spring is disposed between the middle connector 20 and runner 24 and another spring disposed between the fixed sleeve 27 and the shaft 22. With the incorporation of the fixed sleeve 27 and the engaging complex 28, the fixed sleeve 27 forms an elongated part of the shaft 22, when the umbrella 2 a is opened, and multiple or all sectional tubes of the shaft 22 can be retracted into the fixed sleeve 27 to make a shorter folded umbrella 2 a, when fully collapsed.
Referring to FIG. 9. The present invention can be applied to an hauling-cable type automatic umbrella 2 b, wherein the fixed sleeve 27 forms an elongated and strengthened part of the shaft 22 when the umbrella 2 b is opened, and multiple or all sectional tubes of the shaft 22 can be retracted into the fixed sleeve 27 that is disposed below the notch 23 to form a shorter and smaller folded umbrella 2 b, when fully collapsed.
Referring to FIG. 10. The present invention can be applied to another embodiment, wherein the engaging complex 28 corresponding to a fixed sleeve 27, with a cylinder 286 disposed therebetween. An opening 281 formed on the engaging complex 28, with a spring 282 and a button 283 secured therein. A locking hole 272 corresponding to the button 283 whereas a cylinder section 277 being engaged with the cylinder 286 by inserting into a lower portion of the fixed sleeve 27.
The engaging complex 28 along with the shaft 22 being inserted into the fixed sleeve 27, and further capped by the notch 23 on the fixed sleeve 27, with a rivet 276 perforating through a rivet opening 274 formed on the fixed sleeve 27 and an opening 232 formed on a connection section 231 thereby connecting the notch 23 to the fixed sleeve 27. Meanwhile, by inserting the cylinder 286 into the cylinder section 277 and with the button 283 secured in a locking hole 272, the engaging complex 28 thereby being firmly connected with the fixed sleeve 27, enabling the fixed sleeve 27 to be an extra part of the shaft 22 Referring to FIG. 11. A protruding rim 278 can be formed on a perimeter of the cylinder section 277 to avoid the user being hurt by the sharp edge when pulling the shaft 22.
It is of course to be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention and that a wide variety of modifications thereto may be effected by persons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A multi-sectional shaft structure of an umbrella comprises a cover, a shaft formed of multi-sectional tubes, a notch, a runner, a plurality of main ribs and stretchers, wherein the notch pivotally connects with main ribs to support the cover, and the runner pivotally connects with stretchers to support said main ribs; a fixed sleeve is disposed outside an engaging complex that is disposed on the top portion of a sectional tube of the shaft having the smallest diameter enabling the engaging complex to slide up or down inside the fixed sleeve; the notch further connects with an upper end of the fixed sleeve and the runner is disposed outside the fixed sleeve enabling the runner to slide up or down outside the fixed sleeve to open or collapse the umbrella.

2. The multi-sectional shaft structure of an umbrella as described in claim 1, wherein an opening or a spring-loaded stop is disposed on the fixed sleeve to secure and support the runner enabling the shaft to firmly support the umbrella when in opened position.

3. The multi-sectional shaft structure of an umbrella as described in claim 1, wherein the fixed sleeve and the notch are integrally formed.

4. The multi-sectional shaft structure of an umbrella as described in claim 1, wherein the fixed sleeve and the notch are separately formed before assembly.

5. The multi-sectional shaft structure of an umbrella as described in claim 1, wherein the fixed sleeve and the engaging complex can be in the form of a cylinder, a rectangular solid, an ellipsoid, or a polyhedron.

6. The multi-sectional shaft structure of an umbrella as described in claim 1, wherein an opening and a groove are disposed on the engaging complex, with a spring and a button disposed in the opening thereof; a locking hole corresponding to the button and a locking flake corresponding to the groove are disposed on the fixed sleeve enabling the locking flake to lock the groove of the engaging complex and the button spring out to secure at the locking hole of the fixed sleeve when extending the shaft, thereby the engaging complex firmly connects with the fixed sleeve.

7. The multi-sectional shaft structure of an umbrella as described in claim 1, wherein the fixed sleeve and the engaging complex can be applied to various automatic umbrellas.

8. The multi-sectional shaft structure of an umbrella as described in claim 1, wherein an engaging complex disposed with a connection section, corresponding to a fixed sleeve formed above and a cylinder formed beneath; an opening formed on the engaging complex having a spring and a button secured therein; a locking hole corresponding to the button and a cylinder section being engaged with the cylinder thereby inserting into a lower portion of the fixed sleeve.

9. The multi-sectional shaft structure of an umbrella as described in claim 1, wherein the fixed sleeve and the engaging complex can be applied to various automatic umbrellas.

10. The multi-sectional shaft structure of an umbrella as described in claim 1, wherein a protruding rim can be formed on a perimeter of the cylinder section to avoid being hurt by the sharp edge when pulling the shaft.